Thousands of Sikhs celebrated the Parkash Ustav (Birthday) of Guru Nanak by holding the annual Southall Nagar Kirtan (procession) today.

The procession started from the Havelock Road Gurdwara and finished at the Park Avenue Gurdwara.

Last year, the procession reached the mini roundabout near the train station at 1.35pm. This year it arrived there at around 2.15. Due to the late start, it moved faster between the usual stops.

It appeared as if there fewer people attending this year due to cold weather and bit of drizzle that fell during the day.

This proved to be untrue, as the massive crowds were behind the second procession vehicle. It was virtually impossible to move in the opposite direction on the road or the footpath.

Even with the huge number of people the event atmosphere was family friendly.

As usual, there were lots of free food stalls all along the procession route.

The Police advise against travelling through Southall on such occasions, especially with roadwork’s being carried out on the main Uxbridge road.